Communication and Collaborative Professional Practices
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Effective Communication is one of the most important qualities to have as a Resource Consultant (RC). This is largely due to the fact that the RC's role involves communicating with many different people in order to meet the needs of the children and their families. As the RC works in a transdisciplinary team, effective communication is key in understanding what each person’s role is, and that inputs made are valued. From my interview with the resource consultant, I learnt that effective communication involves active listening (Gallant, 2022). This is achieved when we demonstrate full attention to what is being said, and reciprocating that the message is being received (Gallant, 2022).
Prior to the pandemic, individual, program, and training consultations were done in-person. The pandemic shifted the RC’s role online. This meant that consultations were now done virtually. One positive aspect of this was that it made it easier to communicate with the transdisciplinary team. As there was no longer a need to commute, all members of the team were able to come together in an online meeting. However, technical difficulties would sometimes affect communication making consultations difficult.
Working in a transdisciplinary team involves collaboration amongst all members (Gallant, 2022). This is especially important when the team meets up to write the ISP. From course learnings and the remote placement, I learnt about how important it is to establish a good rapport with all members of the team. This starts from the beginning by getting to know the child first. In doing so, it helps build a relationship with the child’s family. I believe that in order for there to be an efficient collaborative team model, we must all be open to everyone’s input so that we can create a plan that best meets the needs of the child and their family.
Due to the pandemic, I was unable to complete an in-person placement. However, as a RECE, I have had multiple experiences working with Early Interventionists (EIs). The initial meeting with the EI was always a routine-based interview (RBI). This involved describing the child’s routine at the centre and their behaviour throughout the day. These meetings provided the EI with information that they could use to create the child’s IEP, and they was able to pass on information to me that the family gave them. From these experiences, I learnt how vital open communication was, and that each member contributes valuable knowledge.
Family Service Teams
Family Service Teams refers to the group of professionals that works with the child and their family (Gallant, 2022). From my remote placement, I learned that those in the family service teams can include:
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Early Childhood Education Staff
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Speech-Language Pathologists
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Occupational/Physical Therapists
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Behavioural Therapists
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Resource Consultants
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Child and their family
The Family Service Teams can look different from one child to the next, as it is dependent on the needs of the child and their family.
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As a future Resource Consultant, it is important to understand the different types of professionals that can make up the Family Service Teams. In doing so, I would be able to determine exactly what services/resources can benefit the child and their family the most.
Conflict Resolution
Conflict can occur when working in a transdisciplinary team. Not everyone may share the same opinions, and they may have different working styles. Additionally, I was told that it was not always easy to coordinate the time for everyone to meet and discuss. From my interview with the resource consultant, I learned that the best way to start off a relationship with the Family Service Team was to have everyone understand what each person’s role was. This way, it ensured that the family and other members understood was each person’s responsibility was. I also learned that being a part of the Family Service Team, you need to be receptive to everyone’s viewpoints. Each member has specialized skills, and that they are all there to help the child and their family.
The topics that have been discussed here are conflict resolution skills that I can use as I learn more about this field. I believe that by using effective communication and active listening in my work, they will help me become a better resource consultant.